Dude, check out the Yule Log in 3-D

Mike Robuck

Life, it would seem, is just better in 3-D. Comcast is claiming an industry first by showing the iconic Yule Log in 3-D this holiday season.

The Yule Log, accompanied by festive holiday music, is burning brightly in all of its 3-D glory from Comcast's video-on-demand library, which also includes 100 holiday movies and holiday-themed shows. (Not sure about the inclusion of "The Twilight Zone," "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and "The Dick Van Dyke Show" among "classic holiday-themed shows," although one could argue that Morey Amsterdam channeled an elf-like presence as Buddy.)

Ye Olde Yule Log was first created in 1966 by New York City-based WPIX CEO and President Fred Thrower. The story goes that Thrower wanted to create a "Christmas card for viewers" when he came up with the idea of filming a log burning in a fireplace. The Yule Log even has its own website[1] that includes FAQs and a running clock on the time remaining until Christmas.

Last year, the Yule Log racked up more than 4 million VOD views in one month by Comcast customers. Diana Kerekes, vice president of entertainment services for Comcast, said that Comcast sees a significant increase in customer usage of its on-demand service during the holiday season thanks to its slate of holiday-related programming.

In addition to 3-D, Comcast customers can also view the Yule Log in SD and HD formats.

If the Yule Log had been available in 3-D back when I was in college in the 80s, I probably wouldn't have ever left my dorm room, unless it was to get more munchies.